A feng shui master who romanced one of the world's richest women has lost his battle for control of her $13bn (€9.3bn) estate.

The High Court in Hong Kong ruled yesterday that Nina Wang's fortune should go to her charitable foundation as the will was a forgery. It dismissed a claim from Tony Chan, a former barman who became the widow's feng shui adviser and then her lover.

Mrs Wang, who was at one stage Asia's richest woman, died of cancer aged 69 in April 2007.

The court heard how Mr Chan (48) began a 15-year affair with Mrs Wang after giving her a head rub and then a full-body massage. He claimed her nicknames for him included 'hubby' and 'hubby-pig'.

The billionaire, who used to boast of her frugal preference for McDonald's fish burgers over more expensive dishes, had helped her former husband Teddy transform a family paint and chemical business.

ChinaChem became one of Hong Kong's largest property empires, with several skyscrapers that dominate the skyline.

Mrs Wang was nicknamed 'Little Sweetie' by the media for her habit of wearing pigtails and traditional Chinese dresses.

Mr Chan said he had helped her dig as many as 80 feng shui "holes" around Hong Kong, into which the couple would throw jade, gold and coins for good luck. In return, Mrs Wang allegedly showered him with cash gifts. Mr Chan said he had received an estimated $32m (€23m) from her over the years.

Mr Chan was married throughout the affair and has three children, one of whom is named Wealthee Chan.